Research Assistant - Phage & Bacterial R&D

Overview

About the role:

We’re seeking a hands-on Research Assistant to support a fast-moving microbiology and molecular biology R&D program focused on bacteriophages and gram-negative bacteria (including

E. coli and Pseudomonas). This is a temp-to-hire position for someone with 1–3 years of biotech/industry lab experience who is detail-oriented, contamination-conscious, and able to execute on SOPs with a path toward contributing to research.

Pay: $25.00 - $37.00 per hour

• Perform routine molecular biology workflows, including PCR, agarose gels, basic molecular cloning, and DNA/RNA handling.
• Conduct bacterial culture work with BSL-2 gram-negative organisms: picking colonies, streaking, culturing, preparing samples, and maintaining strain stocks.
• Execute phage assays including plaque assays / spot assays, and related workflows (e.g., host range / EOP-style readouts and quantitation).
• Run growth curves and plate-based assays, including work in 96-well formats and use of a plate reader.
• Prepare media, agar plates, and stock solutions; support general lab readiness (mixing reagents, labeling, sterile technique).
• Support NGS-related sample preparation tasks (e.g., nucleic acid extraction and handling, sample QC, and sequencing prep steps as assigned).
• Maintain excellent documentation in an R&D environment (lab note booking; Benchling experience is a plus).

• 1-3 years of relevant lab experience, ideally in a biotech/industry setting (academic experience considered if highly hands-on).
• Demonstrated competency with each core responsibility above.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent contamination control habits.
• Ability to work on-site in a BSL-2 lab and complete required safety training.
• Comfortable with physical lab work, including lifting up to 35 lbs.
• Clear communication, reliability, and ability to follow written SOPs and protocols.

• Phage experience (plaque assays, spot assays, phage handling/quantitation).
• Experience with
  
  E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, or other gram-negative pathogens in BSL-2 settings.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction and NGS sample preparation workflows.
• Familiarity with Benchling or similar ELN systems.
• MS degree is a plus (but hands-on lab skill is most important).

Tabula is developing a new class of phage therapies to address antibiotic resistant infections. We are a team of phage, machine learning, and genomics researchers from MIT and Harvard.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person